Tao Te Ching | Gilded Pocket Edition
Written around 2,500 years ago, the Tao Te Ching is one of the foundational texts of Eastern philosophy. Attributed to the sage Lao Tzu, it sets out a philosophy of simplicity, humility and non-action, expressed in short, cadenced verses that are as spare as they are profound. Few texts have travelled so far from their origins and lost so little of their force. This translation, by John H. Macdonald, draws on several historical versions of the work to find common ground between them and stay close to the original meaning.
This edition, part of the Arcturus Ornate Classics series, presents the text in a small-format hardback bound in imitation cloth with red foil blocking on the cover. The page edges are gilded, and the book is printed on deluxe ivory paper, with illustrations throughout. At 165 x 105 x 19mm and weighing approximately 127g, it sits comfortably in a coat pocket or handbag, making it as practical to carry and read as it is to display on a shelf.
Details
Why we stock it
This is a book that rewards slow, repeated reading rather than a single pass, and the format suits that kind of use. It is small enough to travel with, sturdy enough to survive travelling, and handsome enough to be worth keeping on a desk rather than a shelf. It works equally well as a personal copy for anyone drawn to Taoist thought, or as a gift for a reader who already owns the ideas but not yet a copy this well made.
Care
Store away from direct sunlight to protect the foil detailing and cover colour. Wipe clean with a dry cloth only.
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